NPL's commercial services are built on 100 years of leadership in accuracy, innovation and scientific research. Experienced consultants and project managers draw upon a unique combination of industry know-how and world-leading scientific discovery to deliver real-world business solutions and enable innovation and secure competitive advantage.

We strive to actively promote public awareness and appreciation of science and technology, particularly the importance of measurement and the role of NPL. Here you can find out more about the interesting things we do, science outreach activities you can get involved in or take a look at some of our educational resources.

Isobel Pollock-Hulf OBE is Master of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, Visiting Professor at the University of Leeds in the School of Mechanical Engineering, Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET), and serves on the University of Huddersfield Council. She promotes Engineering, Measurement and Manufacturing following a successful career with large Yorkshire based multi-nationals including 10 years at ICI Huddersfield and DuPont Howson in Leeds. Isobel works as a consultant focusing on Technology Roadmapping with SMEs.

Isobel chaired the National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMRO) Steering Board (2013 – 2016) and led the Engineering Council 2014 review of the UK Standards for Professional Engineering (UK-SPEC) requirements for Chartered, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. From 1999 to 2011, she was a Trustee of the AUDI Design Foundation and in 2015, became a Trustee of the Design & Technology Association. As Patron of WES (Women's Engineering Society), she is currently working with WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) and the Bloodhound project to promote STEM to the next generation of engineers.

For over 30 years Isobel has been an active volunteer member of her professional Institution both in Yorkshire and throughout the UK. She was the 127th President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2012, only the second lady in 165 years. She also rejuvenated the IMechE Heritage Awards scheme and presented over 40 awards to places of significant mechanical engineering heritage. In 2015, she became a Trustee of the HMS Warrior 1860 Preservation Trust and is currently involved in a major renovation project partially funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant.

Isobel was appointed OBE in 2014 for services to mechanical engineering. On 23 June 2016, she was named as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in the Daily Telegraph.